05/21/2020 (Forty days after Easter) The Ascension of our Lord
Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Hope Lutheran Church, Christ is risen-and today we celebrate with the church around the world that he also ascended into heaven as he had promised. On this 40 th day of the Easter season, we focus on Jesus’ ascension to the right hand of God-and we eagerly look forward to the celebration of Pentecost, which literally means the 50 th day, where the church celebrates the gift of Jesus’ promise in the form of the Holy Spirit. Ascension and Pentecost join with Christmas and Easter as being the four principle feast days of our church calendar, and while Hope does not have a tradition of celebrating Ascension on its day in the middle of the week, even in the midst of a pandemic God is working new things here at Hope! The promise of the Spirit, whose appearance we celebrate in 10 days at Pentecost, assures us that through Christ and his Spirit, we will be empowered to be the disciples we are called and baptized to be. The Holy Spirit is the gift that enlivens and stirs up our faith so that we emboldened and empowered to go out into the world to be Christ to others-doing God’s work with our hands as the Spirit leads us. We don’t just sit around gazing at heaven, wondering and waiting about when we will get there-instead, we focus on our lives in the here and now, looking for ways to serve God by loving our brothers and sisters, with the assurance that heaven is there and Jesus has prepared a place for us. We are freed to be bold and take risks in loving others because of this Spirit and this promise. But first, Jesus needed to ascend to the right hand of God, as our Creeds confess. Jesus ascended so that the Spirit could inhabit our hearts and lives and direct our deeds in Jesus’ way. In this time of year as we celebrate Ascension Day, Pentecost, and then the Sunday after Pentecost which is the Feast of the Holy Trinity, we are blessed beyond measure to turn our focus and our love to the God who is Three in One and One in Three-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, our God who loves us so much that God willingly created us, lived among us, died for us, so that we might live with God forever-our God who wills and wants to live with us and love with us for every moment of our lives now and forever. That is sure a lot of loving!!! Happy Ascension Day, dear people of God! Today we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord-and in a mere ten days, we move to Pentecost! God bless you all! Pr. Jen+
The Ascension of Our Lord, May 21, 2020
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Almighty God, your blessed Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things. Mercifully give us faith to trust that, as he promised, he abides with us on earth to the end of time, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
First Reading: Acts 1:1-11 [Luke writes:] 1 In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2 until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 After his suffering Jesus presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the dominion of God. 4 While staying with them, Jesus ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by divine authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, “You Galileans, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gospel: Luke 24:44-53
44 [Jesus said,] “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then Jesus opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” 50 Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53 and they were continually in the temple blessing God. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HOMILY:
“The Nurturing Place” was a day care center in Jersey City. Few people would have heard of it if Anna Quindlen hadn’t taken us there in her newspaper column. The center, run by Roman Catholic sisters, welcomed children whose families were homeless, families with no addresses. One day the sisters took the children to the Jersey shore. The 3 and 4 year olds scrambled up the sandy dunes, falling and giggling their way to the top of what must have seemed like mountains to their little legs. When they got to the top, they could hardly believe their eyes: water as far as they could see — more water than they had ever seen. They slid down the dunes and ran to the ocean’s edge. They chased the waves that teased their toes. Then they went off for a picnic in a nearby park. After lunch they begged to go back to the dunes. One little boy named Freddie outran the rest and climbed his way to the top. He looked out, then turned to the others and shouted, “It’s still there!”
~~~ In Freddie’s short life, so much had disappeared — even the ocean could disappear over lunch. We’re older and wise enough to know the ocean is there even when we’re not looking. But we’re not so sure about other things. Sometimes, like toddlers, we’re scrambling up the sandy dunes, trying to find a place that will hold.
~~~Jesus’ disciples must have felt the earth slipping beneath their feet at the thought of being left alone. Again. It had been a roller coaster ride of emotions since they followed Jesus into Jerusalem — hope, fear, death, and then the unbelievable presence of Jesus — no longer dead, but alive. But they knew he wouldn’t stay. Indeed, Jesus speaks as though he’s already gone: “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you … ” Isn’t he still with them? His words must have seemed very confusing. Then Jesus opened their minds to understand the scriptures and interpreted the meaning of all that had taken place. He had done the same thing with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Now Jesus promises even more than scripture: “See, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
~~~What did he mean? What was this “power from on high”? Jesus doesn’t say “Holy Spirit” here, but he does in Luke’s book of Acts: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1: 8) This is the same Spirit that rested on Jesus at his baptism, the same Spirit that anointed Jesus to preach good news to the poor and freedom for the oppressed. This same “power from on high” would now be given to the disciples and by extension, to us. This is a gift from beyond ourselves — not the same as “team spirit” or conscience or inner peace or anything we create on our own. It is the very Spirit of Christ, a gift from Jesus to us.
~~~~But how can we speak of something we have never seen? Could the Spirit be anything we imagine? In John’s gospel Jesus compared the Spirit to the wind — you hear the sound of it, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it goes. Though we cannot see the Spirit, we can see where the Spirit has been. There’s a wonderful woodcut of Jesus’ ascension by Albrecht Durer. If you look closely at the picture — not up in the clouds, but on the ground — you can see footprints on the earth. Durer has carefully outlined Jesus’ footprints down on the level where the disciples are standing with their mouths open. Perhaps the artist was simply imagining a detail that isn’t in the text. Or perhaps, he is asking us, “Why do you stand looking up into heaven?”
~~~Look at Jesus and we will see where the Spirit has been: Jesus’ feet carried him where others wouldn’t go, brought him to tables surrounded by odd companions, gathered children on his lap, and questioned the disparities between the wealthy and the poor. Jesus’ feet carried him to the poor, the sick, the need, and to US.
~~~Theologians haven’t had an easy time talking about the Spirit. They’ve talked far more about God the Father and God the Son. Theologian Elizabeth Johnson says, “Perhaps at the end of their long treatises, they simply got tired.” 2 Sometimes, they forgot about the Holy Spirit all together. “This is a shame,” says Johnson, “for what is being neglected is nothing less than the mystery of God’s personal engagement with the world … the mystery of God closer to us than we are to ourselves.” 3 The very Spirit of Christ, given to us a s a gift from Christ himself. This is staying power.
~~~~The Spirit is something rather than nothing. Look at the life of Jesus to see where the Spirit has been. God breathed and brought Jesus forth from the tomb. And when the risen Jesus appeared to his disciples, he said: “Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” From now on, Jesus says, I will be with you in the power of the Spirit. Though I am leaving, you will not be left alone. His very Spirit, given to us by Christ as a gift. This is staying power.
~~~The Spirit that anointed Jesus anoints us, still breathes with us and surprises us. Still reshapes the community called the church. If we forget and imagine that we’re in this all by ourselves, if we trust only in our own efforts, if we forget Christ’s gift of his Spirit, I hope we’ll hear a little boy named Freddie calling out to us: “It’s still there!” Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
On this fortieth day of Easter, we join with Christians around the globe asking God to receive our prayers. A brief silence. O God, your might upholds the cosmos, and your mercy sustains the universe. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
That the church be enlivened to be the body of Christ, that bishops and pastors lead with visionary wisdom, and that all the baptized be witnesses to your mercy and might. Lord. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
That the earth be preserved from disastrous climate, that the animals and their young be safeguarded, and that the trees and bushes be protected for their fruit and beauty. Lord. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
That wars between nations and violence within each population cease, that the leaders of nations enact justice for their people, and that legislators be granted wisdom for their difficult decisions. Lord. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
That those with coronavirus be healed, that those facing death be comforted, that those returning to society remain healthy, that physicians and nurses be granted endurance, that hospitals be equipped for their work, that researchers discover a vaccine, and that future waves of illness be averted. Lord. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
That the poor be fed and clothed and housed, that the unemployed find jobs, and that those we name before you receive health and wholeness. . . . Lord. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
That teachers be preserved in their care of our youth, That scientists be supported in their exploration of your creation, And that theologians assist us in receiving the mysteries of the Ascension. Lord. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
That our private sorrows and joys be known to you. Lord. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
That we celebrate your presence in the word, and that at the end we join with all the saints in your everlasting kingdom. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God, in you we live and move and have our being. Receive our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, ascended for us, and reigning in your glory now and forever. Amen.
BLESSING: The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, and may the God of all grace ☩ bless us now and forever. Amen.
DISMISSAL: Christ is risen, just as he said. Together, let us go to share this Good News, led by the Spirit, to serve God, and share Christ’s love with all people. Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Beginning this weekend, Easter 7, May 23-24, we will have three worship opportunities for all.
***Saturday 5:30pm will be worship in the Sanctuary, practicing physical distancing with gloves, masks, and space.
***Sunday 8:30am will be spoken worship in the parking lot.
***Sunday 10am will be worship in the Sanctuary, practicing physical distancing with gloves, masks, and space.
Emails with worship and homily will continue to be shared for those who are worshiping with us at home.
Until further notice, Holy Communion will be shared in one kind for safety and health reasons. All of the gifts and benefits of Holy Communion are found in the Body of Christ. There will be no water in the Baptismal Font for your protection.
Offering plates will NOT be passed. There is an offering plate stationed at the Font and you may share your offerings either before or after worship as you enter the Sanctuary. We thank you for your on-going generosity. Ushers will direct seating in the Sanctuary. Masks and gloves will be worn by all. If you don’t have a mask, you will be provided with one to keep and reuse whenever you come to Hope. Gloves will be shared and then discarded when you leave to prevent spread of germs. In the Sanctuary, please leave at least three chairs between you and someone else who is not of your household. Rows are sectioned off to provide space for all.
Sincere thanks for your cooperation. An over-abundance of caution is necessary to keep everyone safe and healthy while at the same time providing worship to our God with integrity, faith, and joy!
Please call the church office or email Pr. Jen with any prayer requests you may have so they may be shared with the congregation.
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Laura Everill, daughter of Phyllis and Tom Agness, residing in a healthcare facility
Walter Crowley, husband of Kathryn and father of Ginger Toomire recovering from pneumonia
Pr Cheryll, Karl, and Nick Kaukis who mourn the death of Chris, beloved son and brother
Wayne Boyd, brother of Barbara Musgraves who is facing surgery
Joyce, sister in law of Elaine Dougan, facing brain cancer surgery
Arthur St. Amand, husband of Joanne, in need of God’s healing touch
John Greene, Millie’s husband, recovering from surgery
Fred Schaible, Eileen’s husband and Pr. Jen’s dad, in hospice care
Al D’Agostino, brother in law of Alan Beicht who is diagnosed with cancer
Suzette, Katie McClay’s friend who is recovering after colon cancer surgery,
Norman Balint, Roberta’s husband, who is recovering from catheterization & two stents
Colleen, Fran Kostrowsky’s cousin who is recovering from a broken hip in rehab
Florence, Bob Kostrowsky’s aunt who is hospitalized in New Jersey
Lois, Lorraine Maass’ friend, in need of God’s healing presence
Those who are in need or ill in any way, those who are lonely, those who are frightened, those who grieve, those caring for those who are ill
NEW DATES FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT BOOK!!!!
LUNCH BUNCH: Wednesdays, beginning May 27, please join us from 11-12:30 for the Hope Lunch Bunch. Bring your own lunch and share some time with your Hope family for conversation and sharing, prayer, and maybe a game or two all the while practicing physical distancing. All are welcome in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your lunch, your mask, and a desire to spend time among friends.
BIBLES AND BAGELS (or muffins or ….???) Please join us Mondays beginning June 1 from 10-11am for Bible Study and sharing in the Fellowship Hall. Physical Distancing and sharing in Scripture and discussion are blessings we can share together!! All are welcome!!
***** Email Pr. Jen your favorite hymn names -hymns that lift you up-so that they may be included in worship as licensing permits at hopeluthern1@comcast.net !!!!
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